What is a USDA Loan?

July 27, 2015

The USDA (short for United States Department of Agriculture) doesn’t just certify that your favorite cut of beef is fit for the grill; among many other things, it also guarantees or directly provides loans to qualified homebuyers in rural communities. If you’re a low- to moderate-income applicant in an eligible rural area, USDA financing might be a good option for you. Types of USDA loans Direct loans For low-income applicants. These loans are issued directly from the government to the buyer, and require no down…

Share this article

Financing & Insuring

Making the Most of a Mortgage Calculator

June 18, 2015

A mortgage calculator can be very helpful when you’re deciding how to approach the financial side of buying a home. It can give you a ballpark figure of what your monthly mortgage payment may be so you can estimate expenses. It can also help you decide if you might prefer a fixed-rate or an adjustable-rate loan, or a 15- or 30-year loan term. Experiment by entering the numbers for one home price and interest rate—and then alter the figures to see different scenarios. Want to…

Share this article

Buying a Home, Financing & Insuring

Getting Prequalified After Bankruptcy, Foreclosure or Short Sale

March 19, 2015

Life sometimes takes us on unexpected journeys. You may think you’re heading in one direction and then—surprise—you’re on a completely different path. For example, if you experience a major credit event, such as a bankruptcy, foreclosure or short sale, your credit score can be severely impacted, which can affect your chances at qualifying for a mortgage loan. Chances are you’ll eventually be able to consider home buying—but it might take a little longer than usual. So, what can you do if you find yourself in…

Share this article

Financing & Insuring

5 Mortgage Myths Debunked

November 13, 2014

You’ve probably heard your share of mortgage legends over the years. It can be hard to know what’s fact and what’s fiction. When you’re in the market for a new home, there’s no better time to learn the truth. We’ve uncovered five myths that have made their way into mainstream homebuying. Myth #1: You must have a 20% down payment. Fact: Today’s qualified borrowers may secure a home loan by putting down as little as 3% or 3.5% of the purchase price. If you are…

Share this article

Financing & Insuring

Things to Know About Homebuyers Insurance

April 15, 2014

With the purchase of your new home, it’s wise and often even mandatory to protect such a large investment with different types of insurance policies. Read on for our quick guide to the main types of insurance policies you might encounter and why you may need to purchase them. HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE Homeowners insurance is designed to protect you financially by providing money for repairs in the event your property sustains damage. This could include damage from fire, lightning, windstorms, hail, explosions, smoke, vandalism and many…

Share this article

Older Posts

Newer Posts

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10